E-Lines: March 22, 2016

Date:
March 22, 2016
Type:
Dear AFA

Welcome Class 1606

Today, we would like to welcome the 67 graduating Members of class of 1606 to the line. These Members are the first pre-merger United new class of 2016, and will be working under the pre-merger United Contract and will be domiciled in IAH and JFK. Please help us to welcome these new Flight Attendants to our family.

Call Your State Congressional Representatives Today for 10 Hours Rest!On Wednesday, March 16, nearly four hundred (400) Flight Attendants convened in Washington for a historic event to push for meaningful rest requirements to fight fatigue. Together, we made a powerful impact on Capital Hill through our direct presence and the thousands of Flight Attendants who baked up our rally with calls to the Senate from across the country.

At the same time on Wednesday, the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee marked up their FAA Reauthorization bill to include language promoted by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA).

The Senate language now includes a Fatigue Risk Management Plan (FRMP), but only increased rest to ten (10) hours, which can be reduced to nine (9). The House language would require irreducible ten (10) hours minimum rest between duty periods for Flight Attendants. “Rest” is defined as the period between release from duty and the subsequent report for duty. AFA continues to press forward to achieve ten (10) hours minimum rest equal to the pilots rest.

Now more than ever we need each and every Flight Attendant to call their Congressional representatives and tell them to support the bill with equal rest for Flight Attendants.

"Hello, my name is _________ and I live in _________. I urge representative ___________ to support 10 hours minimum rest – irreducible – and the inclusion of a Fatigue Risk Management Plan for Flight Attendants in the FAA Reauthorization Bill mark-up this Wednesday. The Senate needs to adopt the bipartisan language on rest and safety included in the House version of the bill. This is about safety, my health and equality. And it is essential to maintaining the world’s safest aviation system."

ALERT: BrusselsAt approximately 0817L (0717 GMT) two explosions were reported in the departure hall of the BRU airport. Significant damage has been reported along with an unconfirmed number of casualties. All United employees have been accounted for at this time with no injuries reported.

Security is heightened at European cities and airports. Crews will see heightened security activity all around Europe.

As we always do, we recommend Flight Attendants remain vigilant and maintain situational awareness. Always be mindful of your surroundings while on a layover. If you have any safety concerns please contact your Local Council.